Overview & Reviews

Originally, Hummer ownership was kind of like hiring a Hollywood pyrotechnic company to run your Fourth of July celebration -- complete overkill and massively expensive, but surely a great way to impress the heck out of the neighbors. Then came the Hummer H3. It was designed to be the "real world" Hummer: less pyrotechnics and more sparklers.

That's not to say that the company's engineers stopped their testosterone I.V. drip. The H3's styling still proclaimed loudly that it's a card-carrying member of the Hummer guild, and the truck had more off-road capability than just about every other midsize SUV when the pavement ends.

For everyday urban use, however, the smallest of Hummers still wasn't the best choice. Unless you were driving the "Alpha" version, which boasted V8 power, the Hummer H3 was painfully slow in certain situations. It was also let down by other traditional Hummer faults such as poor outward visibility and an interior that isn't as voluminous as its exterior styling suggests.

If you're keen on the H3's looks and style, or if you plan on plenty of recreational use, a used H3 should be a good purchase. Still, our editors feel that most buyers will be better served by other used midsize SUVs.

Current Hummer H3
The Hummer H3 was a midsize SUV that was produced from 2006-'09. A pickup-style model known as the H3T was produced only for 2009 and was equipped similarly.

Originally, the four-wheel-drive H3 came with a 3.5-liter inline-5 good for a meager 220 horsepower. Hummer addressed the power shortage in 2007, bumping it up to 3.7 liters and 239 hp. The inline-5 was the same engine found in General Motors' midsize pickups, and despite its increase, it was overwhelmed by this SUV's nearly 2.5 tons of curb weight. In our Hummer H3 road test, we recorded a 0-60-mph time of 11 seconds. Fuel economy wasn't all that great either. Fortunately, there was also the Alpha version of the H3, which arrived for 2008 and sported a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 that provided more respectable performance. With the V8, the H3's 0-60 time drops to 8.8 seconds. A five-speed manual was standard on five-cylinder models, while a four-speed auto was optional with the I-5 and standard with the V8.

Allowed to play in the dirt, the smallest Hummer was basically unstoppable. With 9.1 inches of ground clearance, loads of wheel travel, oversized all-terrain tires and standard skid plates, the H3 could pretty much go wherever you wanted without taking damage. For optimum performance, adding the optional Off-Road Suspension package yielded a shorter-geared transfer case for better hill climbing and descending, a locking rear differential, 33-inch off-road tires and firmer suspension tuning.

Inside, the H3's cabin was more stylish than those of its pickup relatives, though its materials were only a bit better (meaning still not good). At least most of the controls were easy to use. The 60/40-split rear seat could be lowered to increase cargo capacity, though this vehicle's maximum capacity of 56 cubic feet was smaller than that of many other compact and midsize SUVs. Outward visibility was hampered by the gun-slit-style windows and tailgate-mounted spare tire.

Aside from its engine updates, there were few changes during the H3's single generation. Stability control and side curtain airbags were made standard for '08 and a rearview camera became optional. Standard Bluetooth connectivity and manual transmission hill-start assist were added for '09, while a front locking differential became optional. The rearview camera system was also revised.

User Reviews:

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  Better than my Jeep - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Cecil - May 5 - 6:54 pm

  I bought the yellow H3 with 10,000 miles on it. I always wanted one and my 97 Jeep was almost at the end of the road. I love the look, and wanted the bright yellow. The day I got it home the battery went out and the next week the rooters had to be replaced. The dealer took care of that at no cost, great dealer ship here in Kentucky. I have been drving it to work 25 miles one way and getting 18 miles to a gallon so just a little less then the Jeep. I bought it for the safety and snow we get and it did wonders this winter. We had a bad snow day and most people called in to work, I made it just fine. I just towed a 5x8 trailer loaded down to Florida and it did great. All in All I love it!

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  I Love My H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By LILJONZ - May 5 - 3:03 pm

  Its smooth on the highway, easy to maneuver, the interior controls are succinct, functional and easy to use. I love this H3. The styling is rugged and athletic, and it turns heads in the neighborhood. My only regret is that I cant take off fast at the light or merging into traffic, but there have to be some sacrifices for fuel economy.

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  I love it! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Valerie - April 30 - 4:48 pm

  I bought this H3 a year ago because I had a second child and needed a bigger and more reliable car. Even though it is a beautiful SUV, I wasnt sure I was going to enjoy it that much since I previously drove a Corvette. But I absolutely love the Hummer. With the windows being so high, its also a perfect car to nurse a baby! I have 2 issues with this vehicle though: it is kind of slow (you would expect a bigger engine)& there is no visibility through the back window. When a car is behind you, all you see is the roof, it makes it hard to back up. I notice also that the pedals are very close together just like the Corvette. All in all, it is a great vehicle, I havent had any problems with it.

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  Not worth the name - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Sheila - April 15 - 9:56 am

  The truck has been nothing but problems. We had a Trailblazer which had a lot of problems so we leased an H3 because of Hummers reputation. It has 27K miles, they have already replaced all 5 cylinders, worked on tire pressure monitor, it does not start whenever it does not feel like it and now the heating and air conditioning does not go on, no blower, nothing! They really just beefed up a regular SUV and called it a Hummer. Shame on GM.

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  Great Feeling - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Brock - April 8 - 12:10 pm

  I really enjoy driving my new H3. I have put about 1000 miles on it and have found it to be exactly what I expected. I have read complaints about the power off the line but have not had a problem with it. I love the luxury package that I purchased. My wife loves the heated seats, which means she is not burning me out with the heater. I have connected the on board telephone to my Verizon wireless account. Very nice to be able to use the hands free. My wife enjoys driving it because the kids stay quiet watching DVD’s that were installed in the headrest. The blind spots took a little getting used to but nothing that a two-dollar blind spot mirror did not take care of. Over it is great.

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  The Hummer Surprise - 2006 Hummer H3
  By JMHUMMER - March 16 - 10:16 am

  I got this Hummer as a birthday surprise from my wife. I drove one of these when I was in the Marine Corps and with very few exceptions this one is much nicer than the military version. It is a comfortable smooth riding truck. It lacks a little bit of power, but it wasnt designed for speed and the lack of power is a good compromise for fuel economy. I love the truck for what it was designed for, its off-road capabilities. Although even if you never take this truck off the payment you can benefit from its capabilities, when driving in rain, flooding, etc.

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  Some design flaws - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Sandie - March 13 - 2:03 pm

  I actually love my H3, but the interior design could offer more comfort and storage. Im 510 yet my arms can not rest on the arm rest of the door panel, its too low. At a stop light, the roof comes down too low in the front, I have to constantly kink my neck down for the light change. There is absolutely no storage space for sunglasses or my purse etc. The exterior design is really cool and powerful looking but just go through one puddle and the dirt and splash from the road goes all the way up the side of the front door and door handles and looks dirty all the time. I am a female in my mid 50s who is tired of driving a van. I am having the time of my life in this vehicle even with the fl

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  Great present! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By MLW - March 9 - 10:54 pm

  I got my 2007 H3 in May of 2007, as a gift from my parents, for my high school graduation. I started following the H3 when they were introduced in 2005, and wanted one right away. It pulls my boat fine, but I sort of wish I would have waited and got the Alpha, as the 5 cyl. dont have the juice that a 5,000 lb. vehicle needs. (especially going from a 3/4 ton Silverado, to this) I will probably get an H2 next for the additional pulling power and room. Overall though, this is a wonderful vehicle and is an absolute joy to drive, all for under $40,000.

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  H3 is the best - pure and simple... - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Brett - March 9 - 3:20 pm

  I owned a 2006 H3 which I loved and sold it for "Toyota reliability". Since I have had 2 FJ Cruisers and one Tundra TRD (all new) and none of them even came close to my H3. So much so I bought a 2008 H3 and couldnt be happier. There are cars for all kinds I guess so to each his own. For me that means H3 and will for a very long time to come.

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  6 months of fun - 2007 Hummer H3
  By duceii - March 5 - 3:34 pm

  I got the Lux edition and I love it. Found out I needed to add mud flaps right after the first snow. Also figure on going through at least one windsheild per year from stone chips and the severe angle of it. These small issues are nothing compared to the headaches I have had dealing with over seas manufactures. Gas mileage could be better but it is still better than the Jeep I used to have and this is much more versatile. For the money this truck cant be beat!